Research Associate - School of Chemistry

Applications are invited for a 6-month STFC-funded Research Associate position in the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol.  

The project centres on neutron refection (NR) studies of lubricating films of surfactants and polymers at oil-metal interfaces, and is in collaboration with Infineum (http://www.infineum.com/).

The project involves: (1) simulation of the NR profiles of iron oxide coated silicon substrates in contact with oil (dodecane);

(2) simulation and design Neutron Reflection (NR) experiments to investigate the adsorption properties of surfactants from oil onto iron oxide coated silicon crystals;

(3) NR experiments to be performed using the INTER/SURF reflectometers at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory (RAL); (3) the results of these experiments to be analysed by model fitting and further refinements to be performed to predict the effects of shear and pressure on surface film structures;

(4) NR experiments exploring the effects of shear and pressure will then be conducted. The project will require travel and field trips to external neutron scattering facilities at RAL (and possibly ILL, Grenoble , France).

Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, or related discipline, and a proven record of experience in the following: colloid and interface science: solution and interfacial properties of surfactants and polymers; neutron reflection from colloidal and interfacial systems; studies of surface properties with surfactant and polymer systems.

 

The position will be fixed term and is available from 1 September 2018 for 6-months.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to julian.eastoe@bris.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 24 June 2018.

 

The University is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive culture.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.